Bath-Born Tyrone Mings’ Journey from Non-League to International Star

Unlike some other England players, Tyrone Mings didn't have an easy route to becoming a Three Lions international. After spending eight years in Southampton’s academy, the Saints released the six-foot-five defender, and he signed with non-league Yate Town.

Since then, Mings has battled through the leagues and now plays for Aston Villa under Dean Smith. Not only that, but he's also regularly in the England squad, going with the Three Lions to the 2020 European Championships.

So, let’s look at how he transformed his fortunes.

Making History with England

Ahead of EURO 2020, Mings was one of few central defenders to make Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad. The Bath-born player established himself as an international-standard player after becoming a constant member of Villa’s defence.

The 28-year-old started both of England’s opening matches in Group D, helping the Three Lions amass four points and keep back-to-back clean sheets. As a result, Southgate’s team is now 7/1 in betting on EURO 2020 with Paddy Power to lift the European Championship trophy. And it is a testament to Mings’ attributes that Southgate trusts him to handle the pressure of international tournament football.

Thus far, the defender hasn’t looked out of place, rising to the challenge of trying to guide England to their first trophy since 1966. In being selected, Mings has also written his name into the history books, becoming the first Somerset-born player to represent the national team.

The 28-year-old never gave up on realising his dream of becoming a professional footballer. But it speaks volumes about his dedication that he’s gone from playing non-league football to representing England at an international tournament in the space of a decade.

A Never-Give-Up Mentality

Mings showcases the benefits of non-league football, but he owes some of his success to Ipswich Town. In December 2012, and following a successful trial, the six-foot-five defender signed with the Tractor Boys. Mings spent three years at Portman Road before moving to Bournemouth for around £10 million. Although he rarely featured for the Cherries, he secured a loan move to Aston Villa in January 2019, and the Villans later spent £20 million to recruit the defender on a permanent deal.

Swapping Bournemouth for Aston Villa unquestionably served Mings well, allowing him to learn from the club’s assistant manager, John Terry. After impressing at Villa Park, the 28-year-old played his first match for England in October 2019, although he later admitted that he thought the call-up was a prank.

At numerous points in Mings’ career, it would have been easy for him to hang up his boots, but he stuck at what he loved, and now he’s reaping the rewards of a decade’s worth of hard work. Every time he plays, the England international brings a never-give-up mentality onto the field, and that’s endeared him to England and Villa supporters.

Dreams Can Become Reality

Playing for England and representing his country is something that Mings will never forget. Irrespective of whether the Three Lions triumph at the European Championships or the next World Cup, nobody can take this phase of his career away from the Villa defender. He’s made history while realising his dreams, but that won't be enough for Mings, who will have his sights set on trophies.